Dental Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns can be recommended by your dentist for several reasons, and when placed, they become what you see, and others see, as your tooth. They are used to restore a tooth to its original shape, to strengthen a tooth, or to improve the cosmetic appearance of a damaged tooth.

Your experienced Dental Associates of West Michigan know just what dental crowns can do for you, and are ready to meet your unique needs for this dental application, should it be needed.

The dentist may take initial measures with the tooth when fitting a crown, he will let you know if there is also an alternative dental treatment, if your specific need is to improve the appearance of the tooth. An alternative cosmetic treatment might be an equally appropriate solution. Dr. Steven M. Conlon and Dr. James P.M. Vincelj will be happy to explain your choices and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Dental Crowns

There are various choices for crown materials, usually chosen for functionality as well as appearance. Ceramic materials, such as porcelain, are more commonly chosen today, as it can be matched very closely to your other teeth. Dental crowns can also be made out of metals – gold or metal alloys – or they can be made out of a combination of all these materials. Gold or gold alloy crowns have some advantages, such as their strength, durability, and ability to wear at about the same rate as the tooth enamel they cover. They won’t chip, and a break is extremely unlikely; most will use them toward the back of the mouth where they don’t show as much.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges replace a gap in your teeth with a bridge of artificial teeth, uniquely matched to your own teeth. A bridge is also often referred to as a fixed partial denture, and basically restores, or completes, your teeth span, so you can smile again!

Fixed bridges are made from gold or metal alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials, and are attached to surrounding teeth to support the bridge. Bridges can also be removable, so a patient can take it out to clean it. Whether a dental crown or dental bridge is used, it is vital to keep your surrounding teeth healthy, as the foundation for any application needs to reliable.

Good oral health is not a matter of keeping a few teeth healthy – one has to keep all teeth as healthy as possible to achieve optimal dental health.